GLOBUS 2018: Turkish Delight (QT)

14 days from Istanbul to Istanbul

As a cradle of civilization, Turkey is a country with many ancient ruins and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as friendly people and historical mosques, churches, and museums. On this in-depth Turkey tour, you'll visit many of these amazing sites, drive through its spectacular scenery, and be accompanied by an expert Tour Director who will help bring this country to life with in-depth, firsthand knowledge of the history, culture, and insider secrets.Fans of ancient history will be thrilled with visits to Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in 190 BC; the archaeological site of Troy, founded 5,000 years ago; Pergamum, dating back as early as 3,000 BC; Ephesus, founded in 6,000 BC; and much more. A tour highlight is an excursion from Cappadocia, which was sculpted out of the mountains and became a hub of many civilizations, to Goreme. Here, visit the Rock Chapels, carved by the early Christians and decorated with frescoes dating from the 6th to the 10th centuries. You'll visit a Rock-Cut Cave House and taste Turkish coffee or tea offered by the family living there-one of the special experiences offered by Globus. Also visit the underground city of Ozkonak. These underground cities were once used as sanctuaries.On this Turkey tour, you'll also enjoy guided sightseeing of the must-see sights in the cities, including Istanbul; Ankara, Turkey's capital and second-largest city; Bursa, the Ottoman Empire's first capital with a history dating back to 4,000 BC; and Konya, known as one of the world's earliest settlements, where man has lived since the early Stone Age. In Istanbul, at the end of your tour, enjoy a special visit to the Underground Cistern, the largest of the ancient cisterns lying beneath the city that dates back to the 6th century.This fantastic tour through Turkey includes all of this and much more, including two nights in the Mediterranean paradise of Antalya. It's a dream vacation!

Call (520) 445-6812 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13596111

Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, renamed Constantinople in 330 AD when Constantine the Great elected it the capital of the Roman Empire, and finally called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on the Bosporus always was and still is one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, predestined it for a turbulent history. Start your sightseeing at Emperor Justinian's HAGIA SOPHIA and Sultan Ahmet's BLUE MOSQUE, magnificent monuments to two competing world religions standing peacefully side by side. Next, turn to the TOPKAPI SERAGLIO, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Admire the Crown Jewels and the spectacular kaftans of the sultans that were worn during the Ottoman period. You may wish to join the optional Bosporus cruise, and this evening, the optional dinner outing. (B)

Tour the GRAND BAZAAR with its tiny shops, and receive the famous EVIL EYE Turkish amulet as a souvenir. Then, set out on your discovery tour of a country with the population of Britain and more than three times its size. Cross the Bosporus and then follow the shores of the Sea of Marmara to the Gulf of Gemlik. Here, you head inland towards the Uludag, also called the Mount Olympus of Mysia, a 7,700-foot-high skiing mountain. Bursa lies in its shadow, surrounded by lovely orchards. Founded by the Greeks and hotly contested during the Crusades, Bursa had its heyday as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. In the afternoon, visit the great monuments to this period: the ornate GREEN OTTOMAN COMPLEX, the GREAT MOSQUE (Ulu Camii), and the ancient Covered Bazaar. (B,D)

Motor into the heart of the Anatolian Highland. After a break at Boyuzuk, head for GORDION. Tour the excavation museum of the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Phrygia, where Alexander the Great cut the proverbial knot and, thus, opened the way to Asia. Hear about the legend of King Midas with the golden touch as you visit the ruler's great EARTH TUMULUS. Then, visit the MAUSOLEUM OF ATATURK, the revered founder of the republic. Overnight in Ankara, capital of the Turkish republic since 1923 and the country's second-largest city. (B,D)

Morning visit to the MUSEUM OF ANATOLIAN CIVILIZATIONS with its unique collection of Hittite sun discs, stag cult figures and reliefs, and Phrygian metalwork. In the afternoon, head through the salt steppes and swamps of central Anatolia towards the volcanic plateau of Cappadocia, and stop south of the great salt lake Tuz Golu. Tonight, why not attend the mystical performance of the traditional sema ceremony of the Whirling Dervishes in a caravansary? (B,D)

Experience the unreal moon-like landscape of Goreme with its ROCK CHAPELS, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved by the early Christians and decorated with frescoes dating from the 6th to the 10th centuries. [LF] Visit a ROCK-CUT CAVE HOUSE, and taste Turkish coffee or tea offered by the family living there. See the Castle of Uchisar on the way to the underground city of OZKONAK. Then, enjoy the sweeping panorama at ancient Ortahisar on the way back to the hotel. A souvenir GROUP PICTURE will be taken. (B,D)

This morning, stop at the fortress-like CARAVANSARY OF SULTANHANI. Then, westwards to the land of the Whirling Dervishes and to Konya. The Iconium of antiquity occupies a fertile island in the arid Anatolian steppes. Man has lived here since the early Stone Age, and the town had its moment of glory as the capital of the mighty Seljuk Empire from 1078 to 1307. Today it thrives on agriculture and the manufacture of fine carpets. Afternoon sightseeing features visits to three outstanding Seljuk structures: the MEVLANA MONASTERY of the Dervishes, now a museum; the KARATAY MEDRESE (theological school); and the elegant INCE MINARET. (B,D)

Drive across the Taurus Mountains into the luxuriant green forests, orchards, and olive groves on the hills sloping down to the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea. You enter an area only recently discovered by discerning European vacationers. (B,D)

Turn inland across two mountain passes and arrive in Pamukkale. The name means 'Cotton Castle' and refers to the spectacular white lime cascades formed by its hot springs. Visit the fascinating archaeological site of HIERAPOLIS, the thermal resort founded by a Pergamene king in 190 BC and greatly enlarged and embellished by the Romans. At the hotel tonight, a leisurely bath in a pool of hot thermal water might be just the way to relax. (B,D)

Follow the valley of the Menderes River to Ephesus, home of the Greek philosopher Heraclitus and, later, the capital of Roman Asia Minor. When St. Paul arrived here, he was so awestruck that he asked: 'Is there a greater city?' Visit one of the best-preserved ancient AMPHITHEATERS, then drive up to the CHAPEL marking the site where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Overnight in Izmir (Smyrna), Homer's birthplace on the Aegean coast. (B,D)

Day 12

Troy Area

Start with visits to the PERGAMUM MUSEUM and the ASCLEPION, a shrine to the Greek god of medicine. Then, enjoy vistas of the Greek island of Lesbos as you follow the shores of the Bay of Edremit. Continue to TROY, the perfect place to brush up on Homer's Trojan War-hollow wooden horse and all! Spend the night at nearby Canakkale. Before dinner, [LF] a LECTURE on healthy detox with Mediterranean cuisine will teach you how to prepare the famous Turkish flat bread with fresh wild nettle and goat cheese using 16th-century techniques. (B,D)

By FERRY, cross the Dardanelles back to Europe and the 21st century. Visit the World War I battlefields on the Gallipoli Peninsula, where Allied troops, mainly Australians and New Zealanders, suffered heavy casualties in a disastrous campaign. Pay tribute to the heroes of those tragic months of 1915 at the ANZAC CEMETERY and the LONE PINE MEMORIAL. Then, drive along the European shore of the Sea of Marmara back to Istanbul. Before your farewell dinner at a local restaurant, [LF] enjoy a highlight visit to the UNDERGROUND CISTERN, brought to life in Dan Brown's bestseller Inferno. (B,D)

Prices are per person, based on double room occupancy.Single room supplement: $505Triple room reduction per person: $45Extra nights per person in Istanbul:in single room $162, in twin $101, in triple $87

Travel Terms & ConditionsThe purchase of any travel services offered by Globus, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Globus, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.

Important Notes

Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Globus to reserve space for you. View Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.

The following charges are not included in the land vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; Intra-vacation air unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.00 per segment, and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas (except on Cuba programs) and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Globus Group Leader in Cuba, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Globus menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.

Booking your Vacation with AirFor air departure dates within 331 days, you'll be offered a choice of carriers and flight schedules as well as price points to choose from when selecting your flights. Your schedule will be provided to you at the time of booking (schedules are subject to change by carriers). Globus offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Flex Air allows flexibility if you want to make changes to your vacation schedule. Instant Purchase Air may offer additional airline options but has more restrictions. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. Guaranteed air-inclusive prices: air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $300 per person non-refundable air deposit is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Globus in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus non-refundable per person service fee ($30 for North/Central America, $50 for Europe/Middle East and $80 for all other destinations. Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Globus has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

Air-Inclusive Vacations - Applicable Taxes & FeesAir-inclusive vacations include government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.

* The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s) - please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Globus).